Styling Tips: How to Wear Over Sized Clothing and Not Drown

Dec 18, 2014

Oh, baggy clothing. Two ideas come to mind: 1) the effortlessly cool concoctions of the Olson twins, where they swim in cardigans that loosely shrug off their shoulders, and sweaters that effortlessly flirt around their knees or, 2) me eating off-brand ice cream on the couch while in the middle of a Lifetime movie marathon, wishing I had a cat to bury my face and sniffle into.

As you can see, it has both a good and a bad rep. Today, we're going to focus on the former rather than the latter. Over-sized pieces can be really fun when you know how to style them, but the problem is they're a tad tricky to do just that. It takes some trial and error and an eye for proportions. But once you get the hang of it, you'll start realizing it all has to do with what you pair these cozy pieces with that makes it work.

For example, in this look I flirted with bag-lady territory by pairing the chunky sweater with a loose maxi dress, but one that still had a clean, column-like shape. To balance the over-powering tendency of the knit, I paired the dress with a turtleneck to add more interest (and to attract the eye) to the top-half, and tie the look together with a fur collar for just the same reason. That way, the sleek but eye-catching elements on top help balance out the heavy and attention-grabbing knit. Then, to give this outfit a lady-like look, I paired it with some sharp booties, a structured satchel, and a floppy hat.

What do you think- will you be playing with over-sized pieces this week?

I've been so hooked on your blog lately, you give the best style tips! Being a curvier girl, I often find it hard to do the whole oversized thing without looking super bulky so I'm still experimenting with it, definitely going to reference this post from now on. I adore everything about this outfit, you've styled the chunky cardigan perfectly! <3

Argh it really annoys me when PR companies do this, it's difficult enough balancing blogging with life as it is! You look super cute as always, I love those jeans <3

I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to oversize clothing. I know it's probably kind of boring at this point, but I always feel more comfortable if I pair an oversized item with something a sleeker and more fitted. I love how it looks on other people, but I've realized I never don't look like I'm on a Netflix binge and ran out to get another bottle of wine.

With that dress, you can do no wrong. I love it so much <3 I find myself gravitating toward looser fabrics and oversized pieces more and more these days. I'm always self conscious in form fitting clothing. Maybe that's part of the reason. That and I just love comfortable and flowy pieces. Speaking of comfortable, your cardigan is amazing, by the way!

Actually, option 2 doesn't sound that bad...where are my cats?! Haha. I always wish that I could look at least somewhat chic whilst lounging at home and am always buying thin tops, chunky sweaters, ect. to wear at home. But then it's always too darn cold and I find myself in sweats and fifty blankets. What is life?!

I think pairing a floppy hat and a cute vintage Coach instantly makes anything more chic (let's test this theory sometime, shall we?). And that sweater is a beauty! Looks so cozy and cute - what a dream!

This was an excellent post - I find doing oversized clothes to be one of the trickiest things to get down pat but you always always seem to nail it! This is such a perfect outfit - the hat is adorable and your dress is definitely a stunner! You look like you just walked out of a street-style section of a magazine! So gorgeous!

Ohh my gosh you look so adorable. I love all of your vintage pieces--especially your bag and shoes! I also am an avid lover of oversized and chunky and will definitely take your advice to heart! Who knew wearing a turtle neck under a dress would be a way to divert attention away from looking chunky!

Fabulous. I've said if before I'll say it again...You're the queen of layering. I love your ideas of layering items you wouldn't normally... like putting the collar along with the turtleneck that pops out. I would never have thought of it but it works!! YOu're a babe.

HAHA I loved reading about your two oversized options! It made me laugh. Anyway, I like your oversized outfit so much! That dress is so pretty and very vintage looking :) Your style is always spot on!Olivia | Her Name Was Celebration

Wearing oversized clothing without looking frumpy is always a challenge for me, which sucks because I love wearing big chunky sweaters. I think your accessories, such as that cute fur collar and the belt, really help to add balance to the outfit. I really admire your use of accessories, by the way. I've never been the one to use them myself, so I'm always impressed by the way you incorporate them into your outfit to give it a unique feel.

Hehe, love it. I'm so girl number two!! ;) And this outfit is all kinds of fabulous on you! Your style is always so beautiful & effortless. Adore it!! And yay, you bought a background?!! So excited to see what you come up with. I'm going to need some insp for my own in home photos. Loveliest Friday to ya!! xo

i love the cardi with the maxi dress:-) and i do love my over-sized clothes, especially cardigans and jumpers! i'd say both of those options sound good enough. although i'd rather always look olsen chic, eating ice cream and having tv/movie marathons with a cat doesn't sound awful at all either! and wearing a hat and some lipstick will make even a shabbyish outfit look put together. you could pretty much wear anything though, and look wonderful! xx